38th San Jose Annual PRIDE Celebration:

Wedding Ceremonies, Music, and More

Gay Pride Celebration Committee of San Jose, Inc. also known as San Jose PRIDE holds its 38th Annual PRIDE Celebration this August 17 and 18 from noon to 7 p.m. at the San Jose Discovery Meadow Park located at West San Carlos St. and Woz Way in the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens.

This year’s festival theme, “Strength in Diversity” is woven throughout the weekend’s festivities offering variety of food, fun and activities.

San Jose PRIDE President Nathan Svoboda notes, “The theme ‘Strength in Diversity’ was suggested by a community member and the Board voted in approval.”

It is history in the making; PRIDE proudly announces this year’s featured Matrimonial Grove, offering on-site marriages to everyone on Saturday or Sunday. Svoboda adds, “It’s about Equality. Share your special day on our special weekend. Let’s make history together.”

Complimenting the Grove is a Wedding Expo with local caterers, jewelers, photographers and more.

Play Monopoly in the Park, San Jose has one of the largest game boards in the world. It will be open for all to play both days. Adjacent to the game is the Fun Zone with a jumper, fun house, and a rock climbing wall for all ages.

Adjacent to the Health & Wellness Pavilion is The LGBT Youth Space and Outlet interactive Youth Hangout, a space large space to meet up with friends, chill and chat.

Start the fun on Saturday “Community Day” at 12:00 p.m. with local talent, vendors, food, and fun, including a Traditional Aztec ceremony and Danza performances by Tlaloc-Chalchihuitlicue of San Jose. We also have dancing, health demos, and extended local talent performances on both stages. On the Alaska Airlines Stage is MC Diamond John and his Showgirls, the Rocky Horror Revue, BRAY, Sweet HayaH, Beta State, Babii Cris, MicahTron SF, Toni V, Tehyah. The Ridder Stage will host Health Demos from noon to 2 p.m. Bring your workout clothes. Start “Danc’n in the Park” at the Ridder Stage DANCE PARTY from 3-7 PM with Sean Bassett/DJ SeanB, Jeff Morena (aka The Funky Filipino), and DJ Dalle accompanied by a team of beautiful Gogo Dancers.

Visit the Health & Wellness Pavilion sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and partnering with local clinics and services like The Crane Center, Santa Clara County Health, The YMCA, and The Health Trust (to name a few), along with new and returning participants. Play the H&WP Bingo while visiting the area, learn about local services, take advantage of free health screenings, and community members can enter the completed Bingo cards to win prize baskets.

“Kaiser Permanente is proud to be a sponsor of the Health and Wellness Pavilion at the San Jose Gay Pride Festival this year,” said Dr. Andrea Rudominer, Chair of the Diversity Committee at Kaiser Permanente San Jose. “This partnership is important to us since we are committed to addressing health equity in LGBT communities and it is indicative of our vision and commitment to total health for all members.”

Work out with us on Saturday, The Y and local health providers will have Demos and Workouts on the Ridder Stage from 12:00 – 2:00 PM.

On Sunday at 11 AM with the Annual Worship Service by Brother John. When the gates for the Festival open at 12:00 p.m start “Danc’n in the Park,” join Masters of CeremoniesMahlae and Cezon, as they present artists on The Alaska Airlines Stage Headliners, feature domestic and international dance hit sensation Crystal Waters known for her signature smash, “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” as she sings her 2013 release “Oh Mama Hey,” also from American Idol singer, songwriter and actor David Hernandez, and Morgan McMichaels of RuPaul’s Drag Race with Pop Up Performances. Additional headliner performances presented by The Water Garden and Splash Video Dance Bar featuring Headliners Jessica Sutta, former Pussycat Doll, Monique Abbadie from “The Voice” and Miami International Dance Music Sensation Sophi. Also Club Papi Productions presents dancing by Bay Area DJ Joseph Z, DJ Cris Campos, DJ OlgaT, and DJ St. John from 99.7 [NOW!]. On the Ridder Stage, Mona Moore presents “Battle of the Queens” a drag review. Marvel at the talented CHEER San Francisco and Unity Dance Troupe. The Entertainment line-up presents an array of live DJs and local feature artists include Xavier Tascano, and Rapper Billie Jr. Gabriel.

Back for one day only, on Sunday, is the Leather Area.

All are invited to celebrate “Strength in Diversity” with PRIDE!

Sunday’s tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door) or a VIP experience is also available for ONLY $100 that includes drinks tickets, catered lunch and dinner. Purchase advance Festival Tickets online http://sanjosepride-efbevent.eventbrite.com.

“The Board listened to community feedback and suggestions and although we are limited financially, PRIDE is has partnered with Club Papi, The Watergarden, Splash and Smashwolf Productions to offer a diverse entertainment lineup that we hope everyone will enjoy over the weekend,” tells Svoboda. “I’m excited Kaiser and The Health Trust have returned to support an expanded Health & Wellness Pavilion and PRIDE is thrilled about collaborating with the Youth Space to offer the interactive Youth Hangout.”

The Gay Pride Celebration Committee of San Jose, Inc., known as San Jose PRIDE, is a not-for-profit organization instrumental in community outreach, education, advocacy, building solid partnerships, and has been dedicated to serving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community of Silicon Valley since 1975.

PRIDE peered hotels, Fairmont and Hyatt Place of San Jose, offer discounts to pride patrons and vendor for the weekend.

San Jose PRIDE is delighted to welcome our 2013 new and returning title sponsors MillerCoors “Party like a Rockstar” with Rockstar regular and sugar-free energy drinks. When “Your Stylish Side is Calling” think of Capitol FIAT; they have supported our participation throughout the Pride months in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and locally. Festival goers can try the frozen SANGRIA this weekend and the Barefoot Refreshers are also featured this year, “Wine on the Rocks.” Newly added sponsors this year are Alaska Airlines, sponsoring one of the entertainment stages appropriately called the Alaska Airlines Stage, and Smashwolf Productions & Studios, sponsoring the Ridder Stage. Other new sponsors include Uber, “Everyone’s Private Driver” offers new users discounted rides for Pride, Air National Guard, Amtrak, and City Council Members, along local radio and media. Returning sponsors include Club Papi Productions, The Watergarden, and VTA (Valley Transit Authority).

Jun ’12, 1/3 – San Jose Pride Status

San Jose PRIDE guests on Outlook Video. Tom Smith interviews SJP Roman Fernando, VP & Eydie Mendoza, Publicist on reinvention and being a more interactive festival this year, recorded in May for a June 2012 viewing.